Consumer information: Tri-Cira®

What is Tri-Cira Used For?

• Tri-Cira® is a combination oral contraceptive (COC) used to prevent pregnancy.
• It is also used for the treatment of moderate acne in females aged 15 and older who desire contraception and have achieved menarche.

How Does Tri-Cira Work?

• Prevents ovulation: Inhibits the release of an egg from the ovary.
• Thickens cervical mucus: Makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
• Alters the uterine lining: Reduces the likelihood of implantation of a fertilized egg.

Effectiveness:

• Perfect use: When taken as directed, Tri-Cira is more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
• Typical use: Effectiveness decreases with missed or late pills.
• Tri-Cira does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so use condoms for STI protection.

Who Should Not Use Tri-Cira?

• Contraindications include:
  • History of or current blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or liver disease.
  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
  • Breast cancer or other estrogen-dependent cancers.
  • Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes with vascular complications.
  • Women over 35 who smoke.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Smoking significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, especially in women over 35.
• There is a risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, particularly in women with risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
• Liver disease: Tri-Cira should not be used in women with active liver disease or liver tumors.
• Use after childbirth: Wait at least four weeks postpartum to start Tri-Cira due to the increased risk of thromboembolism.

Possible Side Effects:

• Common side effects include:
  • Nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
  • Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.
  • Breast tenderness or enlargement.
  • Weight changes and mood swings.
• Serious side effects (less common):
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism).
  • Stroke or heart attack.
  • Liver tumors.

When to Start Tri-Cira:

1. Starting after a period:
   • Begin taking Tri-Cira on Day 1 of your menstrual cycle for immediate contraceptive protection.
   • If starting after Day 1, use backup contraception (such as condoms) for the first 7 days.
2. After childbirth:
   • Start Tri-Cira 21 to 28 days after delivery if you are not breastfeeding.
   • Use backup contraception for the first 7 days if starting later.
3. After miscarriage or abortion:
   • Tri-Cira can be started immediately after a first-trimester miscarriage or abortion for immediate contraceptive protection.

Missed Pills:

1. Missed one pill:
   • Take it as soon as you remember and take the next pill at your usual time (you may need to take two pills in one day). No backup contraception is required.
2. Missed two pills in a row:
   • Take two pills on the day you remember, and two pills the next day.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.
3. Missed three or more pills:
   • Discard the rest of the pack and start a new one.
   • Use backup contraception for 7 days.

What to Do if You Vomit or Have Diarrhea:

• If you vomit or have severe diarrhea within 3-4 hours of taking a pill, take another pill as soon as possible.
• Use backup contraception for 7 days.

Other Considerations:

• Breastfeeding: Tri-Cira is not recommended during breastfeeding as it may reduce breast milk production.
• Take the pill at the same time each day to maintain effectiveness.

Storage Information:

• Store Tri-Cira between 15°C and 30°C, protected from light and moisture.